The new voice is being called Bridgett, and while some passengers lover her, others wonder why a Brit got the job.

It's a computerized voice that's nothing more than sophisticated software being run on a laptop computer.

"Welcome to the Des Moines International Airport," the voice says.

Airport officials say her job is very important. She talks to thousands of passengers every day about gate changes, baggage pickup and security screening. Federal regulations also require several different messages aimed at passenger safety.

"People are so accustomed to it as they walk through the airport (that) they don't listen to it anymore. As you are coming to Des Moines, people are listening to the announcements," Airport General Manager Kevin Foley said.

That's why Foley chose Bridgett from a number of automated voices.

"As we were listening, this was the clearest voice – the most understandable voice," Foley said.

What do airport visitors think?

"You wonder if you're in the right airport," Heidi Andersen said. "I don't think it fits."

"It has that European feel to it, and I didn't care for that," Alex Anderson said. "I would like something from America because we're in Iowa."

"It made me notice what they were saying," Jeff Milewski said. "It is odd, but I was just in Britain last year, so I kind of liked it."

Shortly after Bridgett was installed at the airport, managers thought they would need to replace her because she is unusual, but they now say she's there to stay.

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